Dry eye is a common term to describe any dysfunction of the eye’s tear film. Dry eye results from the lacrimal gland not producing the proper quality or quantity of tears. More commonly, however, patients have evaporative excess of their tears. Evaporative dry eye results in a watery eye as tears are made without the appropriate amount of oils that enable them to effectively remain on the eye surface.

Dry eye has many different symptoms for different people.  Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Burning
• Redness
• Itching
• Gritty or Crusty
• Tearing
• Blurring of vision: especially if improved with blink, lasting seconds, when reading or at a computer
• Foreign body sensation
• Tired eyes
  

Causative  /risk factors include age, medications (both over the counter and prescription), systemic conditions (people with Arthritis, Lupus, Sjogren's Syndrome for example, have higher incidences of dry eyes,) environmental conditions (smokey rooms, air conditioning vents, overhead ceiling fans) and diet (decreased water intake, excess caffeine and/or alcohol consumption, which can dehydrate the body leading to dryer eyes.)

The doctors at Eye Associates treat dry eye with a range of treatments depending on your signs and symptoms.  Most patients are familiar with artificial lubricating tears, however, there are many over the counter brands and your doctor can advise you which brand would benefit your form or level of dry eye the most. Your natural tear oils can be enhanced through a combination of lid hygiene, supplements, drops, ointments, or even oral prescriptions. Other effective treatments utilized at Eye Associates include the eye drop, Restasis and punctal occlusion. Restasis provides long term relief by calming the inflammatory cycle associated with dry eye.  Punctal occlusion allows your tears to drain more slowly, maximizing the effect of your own tears.  Often times, for severe cases, patients may need to use artificial tears, Restasis and punctual plugs. 

Dry eye is a chronic problem, but through doctor care can be managed so that there is minimal interruption in the patient’s day to day activities.  Patients with dry eyes often experience more allergy symptoms and conjunctivitis since the tears and their components are not present enough to wash away allergens (such as pollen) or to keep bacteria in check.

Also, patients with dry eyes are less successful with contact lens wear. 

Lastly, severe dry eye can lead to corneal ulcers and permanent vision loss, although rare.